Laptop or Desktop

Are you considering buying a laptop or a desktop PC? Here are some tips that might help you. You’ll be faced with two options. Which one you end up buying will be determined by your budget and your requirements from the PC.
A desktop PC is one that will reside on a desk in your home or office. It will come with separate parts — usually a structure, which contains the brains of the PC along with a DVD or Blu-ray drive. It will typically also come with a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
A laptop, also called a notebook or netbook is an all-in-one device that is portable. It can be carried with you from room to room, between your office and home, or used while on the road. Laptops have a battery that can last anywhere between one and a half hours to eight hours, depending on the type of programs you use. Laptops have a built-in monitor, a built-in keyboard and a built-in mouse, and they can vary in size from 10 inches to 18 inches.



Performance

Back in the day, if you wanted a quick computer, you had to buy a desktop PC. Currently the performance of desktop PC’s and laptops are similar and, in some cases, equal. The only area in which desktop PC’s and laptops can differ greatly is in their ability to play games; although there are gaming laptops, they tend to be less powerful than desktop PC’s. If you want a computer to play the latest games, then you should definitely consider a desktop PC. If you want to buy a computer just so that you can view photos, use the Internet or type up documents and spreadsheets, then a laptop is a good choice.



Specifications

The key specs to look for when buying a laptop or desktop PC is the CPU, RAM (memory), graphics adapter and hard drive. The CPU is the brains of the computer; the RAM is the space where all your programs will be loaded (the more RAM you have, the more programs you can load); the graphics adapter (also known as the graphics card or graphics controller) determines how well your computer will play games; and the hard drive determines how many programs, music files, documents, videos and e-mails you will be able to store on your computer.



Laptops will generally have lower specifications than desktop PC’s, although there’s not much in it these days. A typical laptop might have less RAM and a smaller hard drive than a similarly priced desktop PC, and it will also have a less powerful graphics adapter. The CPU, which makes a big difference in computer performance, is often the same between a laptop and a PC. For the best performance in a laptop or a desktop PC, look for a model with Intel’s Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 CPU’s, or AMD’s Phenom II CPU’s.



Screen size

When buying a laptop, you will need to decide what size screen will be suitable for your needs. A 15-inch (measured diagonally) screen means the laptop will be heavy, but you will be able to view a lot more programs on the screen at once, and in some cases fit more windows on the screen. A 14.1-inch screen offers a good balance between size and portability. You should look for a 13-inch screen or a 12-inch screen if you want a laptop that will be easy to carry with you when you’re travelling.
If browsing the Web, accessing social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and viewing your photos is all you will be using your laptop for then a small and light 10-inch netbook will be all you need.

For a desktop PC, a 22-inch widescreen monitor offers the best value for money, and 24-inch and 27-inch models are also available if you want something larger. It’s worth spending a bit more on the monitor, and even upsizing to a 24-inch model if you can afford it, because the monitor is the one device that you will have to look at every time you use your PC.



Burning CD’s and DVD’s

Nearly all desktop PC’s and laptops now come with a DVD burner, even if you choose to buy a cheap laptop (provided it’s not a netbook). Most laptops have a DVD burner built in, but smaller laptops, such as slimline models, may supply a DVD burner as an external unit that needs to be plugged into the laptop. Netbooks do not have a DVD burner at all. With a DVD burner you can burn CD’s as well as DVD’s. Blu-ray combo drives are also available for PC’s and laptops. These allow you to play Blu-ray movies, as well as burn CD’s and DVD’s. A Blu-ray writer is required if you want to burn your own Blu-ray discs.



Software

Nearly all laptops and desktop PC’s come with a version of Microsoft Windows 7 preinstalled. They should also come with software for burning CD’s and DVD’s and watching movies. The brand of laptop or desktop PC you buy will determine exactly what software is bundled with the product. Some laptops and desktops may also include office application software, games or educational software. Many models may also come with software to protect your computer from viruses.



Buying a laptop

If you want a computer that you can use at home, as well as take to work, then you will need a laptop. Also, you may choose to buy a laptop if you want to have more freedom to roam when using your computer at home. A fully charged laptop can give you a few hours of use and will let you work from your living room, bedroom or even your garden. On the other hand, a desktop PC will restrict you to working from the location where the PC is installed.



Buying a desktop PC

If you want a computer that can store a huge amount of music files or a computer that will let you play games, then a desktop PC is a good choice. A powerful desktop PC is generally less expensive than a powerful laptop with similar specs, and a desktop PC also has an advantage in that it can be easily expanded if your needs change (you can add more storage, RAM or a better graphics card at a later date). A laptop cannot be expanded to the same extent that a desktop PC can, although you can change the hard drive and in most cases add more RAM. Finally, desktop PC’s are far easier to repair and parts can be replaced within 1-3 working days whereas laptops have to go back to the manufacturer, meaning you could be without a PC for several weeks.



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Ways Of Keeping Windows Computers running at High Perfomance

A slow computer is always a nuisance. Regardless of how old your computer is, you can always do something to keep it running at top speed. Just follow these important tips:

#1: Run only the necessary apps

Closing unneeded applications is one of the most basic moves you can do to increase your computer’s working speed. Aside from increasing speed, this also lessens your distractions so you are more likely to finish your work early. If you are working on Excel, close unneeded Word apps. If an app starts lagging, hit the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys and kill that app via Task Manager.

Some programs automatically start when the computer is turned on. Disabling some of those applications by unchecking the “Launch when Windows starts” box in the General or Launch settings. Before disabling any startup items, make sure that you know what you are looking at. Don’t disable anything that you are not sure about.

#2: Uninstall unwanted items

Some pre-installed applications will most likely be unused by you. Uninstall these apps by going to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall the unwanted items. Be careful: Avoid removing standard Microsoft software bundles, Photoshop, and your antivirus package if you want to loose your Info. When in doubt, ask or research about the app that you want to uninstall. When you are installing needed or wanted applications, keep your eyes open for extra software installation prompts. Uncheck the box next to it to avoid installing junk software in your PC.

#3: Keep your browser safe and simple

Updated versions of browsers can sometimes have extensions and add-ons that let your browser do additional tasks such as displaying unread emails count icon. Extensions require additional resources that could sacrifice your PC speed. You can disable these extensions by adjusting your browser settings. Look for the disable option in the Tools or near the wrench icon.

#4: Schedule your antivirus scans

While running your antivirus scan during peak hours can keep your computer safe, it could also sacrifice speed. Most of these packages have a background task that runs all the time and scans every time you download new files. To keep your browsing hours free of antivirus interruptions, schedule full scans on hours that you are not on your PC. Find the best time frame for you and make sure that your on-demand scan is enabled when setting up your schedule.

#5: Physical upgrade

When you have done everything else and the computer is still slow, you may need to upgrade your computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM). This hardware acts like a short-term memory that keeps data while they’re running. If you don’t know what kind of RAM to get, contact your local computer repair shop or your computer technician, if you have one.

Keeping your computer in tip-top shape requires keen attention and regular maintenance. Cleanup or PC every now and then and follow a maintenance schedule for your regular activities. Like your house, your computer needs good housekeeping services to keep it working at high speed. This could not only extend your computer’s lifespan, but it could also make your present PC works easier for you.

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Tips to Increase Laptop Computer Performance and Life

Many laptop computer problems are caused by totally clueless users. Technical support professionals state these user errors are responsible for at least half of all computer problems and need for repairs.

Many Computer Owners Unknowingly Cause Damage to Their Computers

"You'd be surprised how many people unknowingly damage their computers," said Derek Meister, a technician for Best Buy's repair and on-line support service, the Geek Squad. A common mistake, says Mr. Meister, is using a laptop on your lap.

In spite of its name a laptop should not be used on your lap or on any cushy surface, like a bed comforter, that would restrict air circulation around the computer. Overheating is a major call of computer failure. Overheating can be easily prevented by resting the four nubs usually found on the computers based on a hard flat surface.


A Laptop Must be Properly Cooled to Continue Running Well

For those who use their laptop for long periods of time as a desktop an even better solution is to buy a little inexpensive cooling platform. The computer sits on top of the platform and is cooled by small fans which circulate air around the laptop.

In order to protect your computer's hard drive you must make sure that it is completely shut down and has stopped spinning before throwing your laptop into a travel bag or even carrying it across the room. If you move the computer around while the hard drive is still active the actuators arm could bump into the drive's fragile and easily damaged magnetic memory material and cause severe problems.
 
Even new modern laptop hard drives, which usually have gyroscopes that shut down the hard drive when they sense movement, should be given a few seconds to completely shut down before the computer is moved.

Another frequent user error is leaving a laptop plugged in all the time. "A lot of people use their laptops as a desktop," said Kevin Dane, executive director of product quality and reliability for Dell Computer. "Leaving it plugged in all the time diminishes the battery life and degrades its performance." Running a laptop two to three times a week off battery power should be enough to keep the battery in good condition.

Accumulating dust inside the computer case is another potential operating problem for any laptop computer. Dust accumulation is especially troubling if the computer is kept in areas with pets, smokers and carpeting or is used outside in dry dusty environments. Laptop service experts recommend cleaning out desktop and laptop computers at least once a year by taking them to a repair center for a thorough cleaning.

Great care must be taken to keep liquids of any sort away from the computer. Even a small amount of a Coke or cup of coffee spilled onto a laptop may cause a complete nightmare of operating problems.

A modern laptop computer that is properly cared for should give several years of trouble-free service. When laptops do have early recurring service problems the reason for the problems can usually be traced back to the user.


Technology Gather